Fatal Flaws

The light sneaking in from beneath the curtains shines across my face, waking me up. I attempt to sit up, but Hayden's weight makes it difficult. His arm wrapped tightly around my waist, pinning me down. I'm drenched in sweat from his excessive body heat. This whole situation feels weird. I'm not used to waking up next to someone else.

"Hayden, wake up, please" I beg, nudging him in the ribs. A part of me longs for us to stay like this all day, but I know we can't. Skylar can walk in at any minute and we don't need that. I don't feel like explaining myself and my reasonings to her right now. It's nobody's business but mine. And honestly, after he brushed me off last night, my self-esteem isn't the greatest. It isn't like he's a conquest I can brag about. If he were I would have failed.

"Hayden, get up," I moan louder than before. I'm becoming more and more aggravated, thinking about his rejection. Who does he think he is? Does he think he's too good for me? Or is it me? Does he think I'm not pretty enough? Or worse, does he think I'm a whore?

He finally starts to stir, barely opening his eyes.

"You're pretty annoying in the mornings. Did you know that?" he whines, pulling the pillow over his face.

"Shut up," I laugh, smashing the pillow against his face. "You're not that pleasant either, by the way," I push down a little harder pressing it against his mouth. Using all my strength, I slide my body from beneath his weight. His arm drops heavily back onto the bed with a dull thud. Slipping out of bed, I grab my shower caddy and a towel. He must be in a deep sleep, not budging when I open the door.

I'm relieved there isn't anyone in here yet. I can shower in privacy. Something I have rarely gotten to experience since moving here. That's probably one of the few things I miss about being home.

Being one of the first ones here the hot water kicks on immediately. Enjoying the heat from the water, I relax, taking my time. The water kneads against my skin, like thousands of tiny fingers drumming against me.  I lose track of time, shutting off the water, and grabbing my towel. Looking down I smile, my skin has pruned, wrinkling from the heat. It brings back memories of being a kid. I loved taking long, hot bubble baths and seeing my skin wrinkle. My Nana used to say if you're not pruned when you get out, go back in you aren't clean enough.

Today must be my lucky day. The shower room is still empty as l step out, wrapping my towel around my damp body. I always have to use two towels. One is for my body and the other for my hair. I love not having to fight April over towels anymore. She never would put them in the hamper to be washed. Instead, she would pile them up in her room, hoarding them. I would have to go towel hunting every time I wanted to shower. And half the time they weren't clean, already used by her. I hated it. Surprisingly, I only see two chatty petite brunettes on my way back to my room. They don't even glance in my direction as we pass.

Hayden is sitting on the end of the bed, stretching when I enter. Both of his arms are lifted straight above his head. His inked bare chest flexes as he twists side to side. I almost lose my grip on the towel watching him. Even waking up he is sexy.

His eyes widen, catching sight of me standing half-naked in the doorway.

"You know the drill, turn around," I warn him, shooting him a death glance. My fingers grasp the towel tighter around my damp body, before darting across the room.

"No, that's stupid and pointless. I know what you look like so I'm not turning around," he states firmly, sitting back on the bed. His body leaned against the headboard with his legs stretched out, folding his arms in front of him.

"You are such an ass. And you wonder why people think you're a dick?" I mouth quietly, not wanting to start an argument. Wanting to make sure he doesn't see my scar in the light I have a plan. Watching him I slide my underwear and pants under my towel, keeping it around me I pull them up.  Next, I fasten my bra on over it. Making my last move, I throw my shirt over my head, finally ripping the towel from beneath it.